Crispy Ranch Steak Fingers Recipe: Snacktime Magic!

These golden, crunchy steak fingers with irresistible crispy coating will make dinner feel like a hearty celebration.

Tender beef strips get coated in a perfectly seasoned breading that delivers maximum crunch.

Each bite offers a satisfying crackle and rich, savory flavor that keeps people coming back for more.

Home cooks can easily recreate this classic comfort food with pantry staples and a few simple techniques.

The secret lies in selecting the right cut of meat and mastering the breading technique.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike love how these crispy steak fingers transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing dinner that everyone will devour.

Steak Fingers Ingredient Checklist

• Cube Steak: Tender, thin-cut beef perfect for creating crispy, juicy steak fingers with maximum flavor absorption.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Creates an ultra-crispy, golden exterior with light and crunchy texture.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds deep, savory background notes to enhance overall seasoning.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful reddish color to the coating.
• Cayenne Pepper: Provides a gentle heat kick that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the meat's natural taste.

• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help flour mixture adhere perfectly to meat surface.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes meat and adds tangy richness to the coating.
• Hot Sauce: Introduces an optional spicy dimension and deepens overall seasoning complexity.

• Vegetable Oil: High smoke point makes it ideal for achieving crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Butter: Creates a rich, velvety base for country gravy with luxurious flavor.
• Milk: Provides smooth, creamy consistency to the accompanying country gravy.

Kitchen Tools For Steak Fingers

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for deep-frying steak fingers with hot oil at the perfect temperature.
• Shallow Bowls (2): Needed for dredging steak strips in seasoned flour and egg wash mixture.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs, buttermilk, and creating smooth gravy without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring flour, spices, and milk.
• Tongs: Ideal for safely turning and removing steak fingers from hot oil.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Helps drain excess oil after frying, keeping steak fingers crispy.
• Saucepan: Used for preparing creamy country gravy with butter and milk.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for cutting cube steak into strips.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise cutting of steak into uniform strips.

Simple Steps For Steak Fingers

• Slice the Meat

Cut cube steak into long, slender strips that look like delicious golden fingers. Make them roughly one inch wide and three to four inches long.

• Create Crunchy Coating

Mix flour with a zesty blend of spices. Whip eggs and buttermilk together in a separate bowl, adding a splash of hot sauce for extra kick. This magical combo will transform your meat into crispy perfection.

• Dredge and Prepare

Dunk each meat strip first into seasoned flour, then splash through egg mixture, and finally coat again with flour. Press gently so the coating hugs each piece tightly. Let them rest while you prepare for frying.

• Fry to Golden Deliciousness

Heat oil in a deep skillet until it reaches sizzling temperature. Carefully lower meat strips into hot oil, cooking in small batches. Fry each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about three to four minutes per side.

• Whip Up Creamy Gravy

Melt butter in a pan and sprinkle flour to create a smooth base. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Season with salt and pepper. Let the gravy simmer and thicken into a luxurious sauce.

• Serve and Enjoy

Arrange crispy meat fingers on a plate with a generous pool of creamy gravy. Complement with your favorite sides like crisp fries or fresh salad for a mouthwatering meal.

Tips To Keep Steak Fingers Crispy

• Perfect Frying Technique: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil temperature, ensuring crispy, golden-brown steak fingers without burning.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for individuals with wheat sensitivities, keeping the same seasoning ratios.
• Make-Ahead Trick: Prepare and coat steak fingers up to 4 hours in advance, refrigerate, and fry just before serving to maintain optimal crispiness and texture.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace flour coating with crushed pork rinds or almond meal for a keto-friendly version that delivers similar crunch and flavor profile.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity or omit completely for milder version, or add extra for heat lovers who enjoy more intense spicy kick in their coating.

Best Ways To Serve Steak Fingers

• Comfort Plate Paradise: Arrange steak fingers alongside creamy mashed potatoes, creating a hearty Southern-style comfort meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Pack the crispy steak fingers with coleslaw and pickles for an incredible outdoor lunch that will impress family and friends at summer gatherings.
• Dipping Delight Station: Set up a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, and classic country gravy to let everyone customize their flavor experience and enjoy interactive eating.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve steak fingers as a shareable appetizer during sports events, cutting them into smaller bite-sized pieces that are easy to grab and guaranteed to disappear quickly.

Storing Steak Fingers The Easy Way

• Smart Refrigeration Plan: Store leftover steak fingers in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for 3-4 days, maintaining crispy texture when reheated carefully.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Restore crispiness by using an air fryer or oven at 375F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave which can make coating soggy and soft.
• Freezing Strategy: Freeze uncooked coated steak fingers by placing on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Keep frozen up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before cooking.
• Gravy Storage Hack: Separate gravy from steak fingers when storing. Keep gravy in sealed container in refrigerator for 4-5 days. Gently reheat on stovetop, whisking to restore smooth consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

Crispy Steak Fingers Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy Southern steak fingers bring comfort from classic diner fare to home kitchens. Crunchy buttermilk-coated beef strips pair perfectly with creamy country gravy when you want a nostalgic meal that satisfies deep hunger.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) cube steak or round steak, cut into 1-inch wide strips
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice cube steak into uniform strips, approximately 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long, ensuring consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
2. Seasoning Blend: Mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish to create a flavorful coating.
3. Coating Process: Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce in a separate bowl. Thoroughly dredge meat strips through spiced flour, dip in egg wash, and coat again with flour for a crispy, moisture-sealing exterior.
4. Resting Phase: Let coated strips rest briefly on a clean surface, allowing the coating to set and adhere properly.
5. Frying Technique: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350F. Carefully lower meat strips into hot oil, maintaining space between pieces to ensure even, golden browning. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning once to achieve uniform crispness, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Gravy Preparation: In a saucepan, create a smooth roux by melting butter and integrating flour. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Season with salt and black pepper, simmering until the sauce reaches a velvety consistency.
7. Serving: Plate crispy steak fingers alongside warm, creamy gravy. Complement with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Manage Meat Thickness: Cut steak strips uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture, guaranteeing each piece cooks perfectly.
• Control Coating Technique: Double-dredge meat in seasoned flour and egg wash to create a crispy, sealed exterior that locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent 350F heat to achieve golden-brown crust without absorbing excess oil or becoming greasy.
• Rest Coated Strips: Allow breaded meat to sit briefly before frying, helping the coating adhere better and create a crunchier, more stable exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg